After making a significant impression during the Steam Next Fest earlier this fall, Overthrown has officially launched, offering players a unique experience in the sandbox genre. Developer Brimstone describes the game as a city-builder sandbox hybrid, where players can manipulate their environment in unconventional ways, tossing everything from boulders to entire buildings.
Breaking the Mold
Brimstone has intentionally steered clear of traditional mechanics that often bog down gameplay, such as fall damage, which they deem “annoying.” This decision sets Overthrown apart from established titles like Minecraft, introducing a fresh take on procedurally generated worlds. The developers express their desire to eliminate tedious elements like inventory management and grinding, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of sandbox games.
“What we wanted to do differently was to automate away the repetitiveness with NPC citizens handling that,” the developers explain. This allows players to focus on exploration and combat, while NPCs assist in resource gathering, creating a more engaging experience. The overarching aim is to provide a stress-free environment where players can immerse themselves in the game without feeling compelled to follow guides or optimize their strategies.
Flexible Gameplay
Players can seamlessly transition between a relaxed gathering experience and action-packed combat, depending on their mood. One developer shares, “Sometimes when I play, I might spend a whole season just expanding and gathering nearby resources, and at other times I’m hunting outlaws for a few days. It feels really flexible moving between the two.”
Brimstone is also committed to ensuring that Overthrown feels vibrant and alive, addressing a common critique of many sandbox titles. “The wilderness is something that we don’t want to feel empty,” the studio states, highlighting their plans for several updates that will introduce new creatures, plants, and encampments to enrich the game world.
A Living World
What distinguishes Overthrown from its peers is its dynamic procedural world. As the seasons change, new plants sprout, and creature nests and outlaw camps emerge, creating a living ecosystem that evolves independently of player actions. “Even if the player isn’t there to observe it, these enemies can fight each other,” the developers note. This feature allows players to engage with the world strategically, such as raiding outlaw bases before they can bolster their ranks.
To further enhance realism, Brimstone plans to introduce environmental changes, including pollution that can render areas barren if unchecked. The density of trees in a region will affect its classification as forest or grassland, impacting the availability of medicinal herbs and mushrooms. This unexpected layer of realism adds depth to a game that encourages players to unleash chaos by tossing entire factories.
For those intrigued by Overthrown’s blend of chaotic physics, city-building mechanics, and real-world influences, the game is currently available in early access on Steam. Future plans include launches on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, ensuring that console players won’t miss out on this innovative title.
